New to the forum. I've been reading and enjoying your posts for a couple of weeks and would like to join the discussion. Hope you're intested in a new topic. Here it is:

We'd all like to own that dream spruce and brazillian 12 fret, but how many would be willing to break it out at a regular playing job.

So what's ideal workingman's acoustic. For me is has to be versatile, tough, sound great plugged in, electronically simply, have great intonation and action, forgiving about less than perfect care, decent looking, but not the kind of instrument that makes you cry when you get a ding or two.

From what I read on this forum, the current 03 series with a good pick-up fills the bill. So what's your ideal workhouse?

New to the forum. I've been reading and enjoying your posts for a couple of weeks and would like to join the discussion. Hope you're intested in a new topic. Here it is:

We'd all like to own that dream spruce and brazillian 12 fret, but how many would be willing to break it out at a regular playing job.

So what's ideal workingman's acoustic. For me is has to be versatile, tough, sound great plugged in, electronically simply, have great intonation and action, forgiving about less than perfect care, decent looking, but not the kind of instrument that makes you cry when you get a ding or two.

From what I read on this forum, the current 03 series with a good pick-up fills the bill. So what's your ideal workhouse?

I've never hesitated to travel or play a regular gig with any of my guitars. They're meant to be played and I think I play my best on the guitars I like best. That said, if I could get -03's in my choice of woods and neck sizes, I wouldn't hesitate to put one in the stable. For the very rare times when only a dred will do, my D-02 is a working tool that doesn't make me feel like I'm playing a second choice.

You definitely can't go wrong with any of the 03 series. It's just a matter of finding the bodystyle that fits your style of play. I have owned a D-03R and currently own an L-03E. I like the stock Bband system in the L, but if you hate the idea of a barndoor in the side of the guitar or have a specific brand of p/u you like--go with a guitar without electronics.

Some people find the L body to be more comfortable than a dread. From my experience, I don't sacrifice any volume with L vs. the D. As a bonus, the 03s seem to open up sooner that the 05s and 09s. Maybe because the satin finish is thinner??

With light strings either the D or L holds it own with any other acoustic out there. With mediums to really drive the top Larrivees are cannons...

YMMV.

Mark

EDIT I use the 03 at some of the rougher bars I play where there often isn't a real stage. The D-09 goes to the "nicer" gigs...

imo, a d03 is the ultimate all-around guitar. its basic, but sounds/plays great. you can ding it and it will only add more character. i remember when everyone played a dread. back in those times a dread was all anyone needed to make great music in any style.

I agree with some of what's already been said, that guitars are meant to be played not displayed.

I don't have the most expensive guitars but for me they were expensive. I take at least a 6 & my 12 to every show without hesitation.For me it doesn't make much sense to have a nice guitar yet settle for something less when I'm doing a show.To me, that's when it's most important to sound my best (besides the studio).

My grandpa always said "a ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are for" I like tto use that same philosophy with my instruments.

A guitar so nice that I'm afraid to take it on the road has no place in my small stable.

For me it doesn't make much sense to have a nice guitar yet settle for something less when I'm doing a show.To me, that's when it's most important to sound my best (besides the studio).

absolutely! i have never and will never understand guys who buy great guitars, then buy something sub-standard to take to a show so the "good one" wont get hurt. good lord man, thats why you shell out the bucks for a good one....to play it! (head spinning furiously) :UND>

Ideal working man's acoustic ... versatile, tough, sound great plugged in, electronically simply, have great intonation and action, forgiving about less than perfect care, decent looking, but not the kind of instrument that makes you cry when you get a ding or two.

That's my D-05 your talkin' 'bout! (with aftermarket B-band UST/AST/A4). The first ding made me cry, but several deep breaths and some counceling and I got over it ^_^ . My OM-05MT with K&K mini is a close second.

David

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So many songs - so little time...Finger Picking good Folk, Blues, Gospel, Roots, Rags, and Originalswww.davidberchtold.com

I'd have to say that a C-09maple with undersaddle pickup has become my grab it and go guitar when I'm going to be playing a noisy place that requires a plugin. I have better sounding guitars, but will only play them where I can mic them. I'm also hesitant to take a better guitar to a venue where there is a possibility the guitar won't be directly under my control 100% of the time. Like the time 2 weeks ago when the person running the open mic went to the stage after I placed my guitar as far back as possible, and then I sat down at a front table to wait to be be introduced; the young lady did some wild girations with the microphone, backed up, and proceeded to kick over my guitar...

The situation Randy R described is exactly why I have both an 03 and an 09 guitar. I'm also a little more willing to let someone else borrow the 03 at a jam or open mic... I don't want to see either guitar hurt though!! :UND>

The situation Randy R described is exactly why I have both an 03 and an 09 guitar. I'm also a little more willing to let someone else borrow the 03 at a jam or open mic... I don't want to see either guitar hurt though!! :UND>

I take whatever the gig call for,there all tool's.I don'thave any problem with people playing my stuff I just tell them it's setup with 14 to 58's and they move away qwikly....... :GRN>

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A REPAIRPERSON,Still UnclrobOM03PAFavorite saying OB LA DE OB LA DA,LIFE GOES ON---BRA,It is what it is,You just gotta deal it,One By One The Penguins Steal My Sanity*Eat The Rich*, Keith and Barefoot Rob on youtubeStill unclrob#1912 people ignoring me,so coolwww.rpjguitarworks.comCall PM me I may b

Well guys, I thought that after buying my SD-50 I wouldn't be taking it out of the house. I figured I'd take the old Ovation out to the campfires and gigs. But...the reality is that I just don't want to play anything else. My old Ovation now feels like a kids guitar! I know my SD-50 is going to take some licks, but for me, it's all about the sound. I know that even if this thing has some dents and scratches it's going to sound great! In fact, I'll be relieved when it does get its first dents so that I can chill about the whole issue. I mean, look at Neil Young - do you think he gives a s*%t about what his guitar looks like? Did I spell s*%t right? Or is it s@#t?